Proteas' proud record goes on the line

South Africa must win at Old Trafford to maintain an extraordinary recent away record in Test cricket

AFP
03 August 2017

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis wants his batsmen to raise their game as they look to finish their lengthy tour of England with a flourish in the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

The Proteas head into the match with only a share of the spoils available to them after a thumping 239-run defeat in the third Test at The Oval left then 2-1 down with just one to play.

A tour that started back in mid-May has already seen South Africa lose one-day international and Twenty20 series to England, with the Proteas suffering a disappointing first-round exit in the Champions Trophy as well during their time in England.

But victory at Old Trafford would at least ensure South Africa maintain a proud away Test record.

In their past 19 series they've won 13, drawn five and lost just one - in India in 2015-16.

But if they are to triumph at Old Trafford - a ground where their lone Test win in eight visits came back in 1955 - they will surely need an improved showing from their top order.

For all that South Africa were handicapped at The Oval by the stomach illness suffered by key seamer Vernon Philander, being bowled out for just 175 in their first innings put them at a disadvantage they were never able to overcome in the rest of the match.

Liam Dawson remains in the squad after featuring in the first two Tests, but quite how England recall the Hampshire left-arm spinner, unless they think the Old Trafford pitch will take sharp turn, is hard to see.

Since 2000, England have won eight and lost just one of 12 Tests at Old Trafford, a ground that shares its name with Manchester United's nearby stadium.

One encouraging factor for South Africa has been the see-saw nature of this series, with England winning the first Test at Lord's by 211 runs, only for the Proteas to hit back with a 340-run success at Trent Bridge before another lopsided encounter at The Oval.

"We've not done things by halves so far in this series," said England captain Joe Root.

"It's just important that we take (with us) the way we've played (at The Oval) - especially the way we batted, which I thought was exceptional."

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Cricket Australia.